Patients presenting with musculoskeletal disorders in the emergency department: A qualitative study of their experiences when cared by advanced practice physiotherapists in the province of Québec.

Background: Advanced practice physiotherapy (APP) models of care are promising to alleviate pressure in emergency departments (EDs) where physiotherapists' new roles include being a first‐contact practitioner and leading the overall care and management of patients with minor musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) to alleviate ED physicians' caseload. Purpose: To explore patients' acceptability, experience, satisfaction, and perception of a new APP‐led model of care in the ED. Methods: Patients presenting to the ED with a minor MSKD and who agreed to participate in a multicenter, pan‐Canadian randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy and costs of an APP model of care were invited to participate in this qualitative study. Semi‐structured interviews were performed to identify themes related to their experiences with this model. Verbatim transcripts were coded and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis. Results: 11 patients participated and three themes were identified: 1‐ They were satisfied with the care received within the model; 2‐ They found APPs to have the appropriate skill set to manage MSKDs and to assume medical‐delegated tasks; 3‐ Timely access to care was a key factor in the acceptability of this model and participants believed physiotherapists were appropriate first‐contact practitioners. One participant proposed that the APP model of care should also offer follow‐up care. Conclusion: Participants had a positive experience of care in this new model. These results support the implementation of APP models of care in EDs as the participants appear receptive to new roles for APPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]